Install MongoDB on Windows

Install MongoDB Community Edition and Compass on Windows

MongoDB is a leading NoSQL database known for its flexibility and scalability. Installing the MongoDB Community Edition and its GUI tool, MongoDB Compass, on Windows is a straightforward process. This guide walks you through each step, from downloading to verifying your setup, while also addressing common troubleshooting tips and additional insights.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

1. Pre-Installation Checklist

Before installing MongoDB, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

• Supported Windows Versions: Windows 10 (64-bit), Windows 11, Windows Server 2016/2019/2022.
• Hardware: Minimum 2GB RAM (4GB recommended); sufficient disk space for data storage.

2. Download and Install MongoDB Community Edition

• Visit MongoDB's Website
• Go to the MongoDB Community Edition download page.
• Download the Installer
• Select "Windows" as your OS and download the MSI package.
• Run the Installer
• Locate the downloaded MSI file and double-click it to launch the setup wizard.
• Choose the "Complete" setup option.
• Install as a Service (Optional)
• Opt to run MongoDB as a Windows service for automatic startup.
• Finalize Installation
• Complete the wizard and close the installer.

3. Configure MongoDB Environment

• Set Up the Data Directory
• MongoDB uses C:\data\db by default to store databases.
• Create the directory manually if it doesn’t exist.
• Update PATH Environment Variable
• Add MongoDB’s bin directory to the system PATH for easy access to MongoDB tools.
• Verify Installation
• Open Command Prompt and run:

 mongo --version

If the version number appears, the installation was successful.

4. Install and Use MongoDB Compass

• Download Compass
• Visit the MongoDB Compass page.
• Download the installer for Windows.
• Install Compass
• Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Connect Compass to MongoDB
• Launch Compass and enter localhost:27017 in the connection string field.
• Click "Connect" to access your databases.

5. Starting MongoDB

• Run the MongoDB Server
• Open Command Prompt, navigate to the bin directory, and run:

mongod

• Open a new terminal and type:

mongo

• Insert a test document into a collection and retrieve it:

db.test.insertOne({ name: "Test", status: "Success" })
db.test.find()

Troubleshooting Installation Issues

• Error: mongo is not recognized
• Ensure MongoDB’s bin directory is in the PATH environment variable. Restart Command Prompt after updating.
• "Data directory not found" error
• Verify the existence of C:\data\db. Create it if missing.
• Compass fails to connect
• Check if the MongoDB server (mongod) is running.

Uninstalling MongoDB

• Stop the MongoDB Service
• Open services.msc, locate MongoDB, and stop the service.
• Uninstall MongoDB
• Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a Program.
• Clean Remaining Files
• Delete the installation folder and the data directory (C:\data\db).
• Remove PATH Entries
• Remove MongoDB references from the PATH variable.

Additional Commands for Beginners

Code:

# Insert multiple documents
db.users.insertMany([
  { name: "Blythe", age: 28 },
  { name: "Bert", age: 35 }
])
# Find all documents
db.users.find()
# Update a document
db.users.updateOne({ name: "Blythe" }, { $set: { age: 29 } })
# Delete a document
db.users.deleteOne({ name: "Bert" })